Students work with tint, hues and houses in drawing & painting

Story by Isabella Fallahi

​From castles, to beachside getaways, to modern day houses, all the way to the Taj Mahal. These are some of the various types of architectures being painted by seventh graders taking drawing and painting.

In order to paint these houses to absolute perfection, students can’t just pick up a brush and start painting, they need to follow specific instructions given to them by Mrs. Gwen Daddario, a Clay art teacher.  

Even though there are instructions, students still express themselves through the colors, types of architecture, tints and shades they choose.

“We take her instructions and combine it with our creativity, and with that we go further,” Lilly Branks, seventh grade, said. Branks sketched and painted a victorian styled house.

Before all the students began painting, they went through a process. First, the students studied different types of architecture and house styles. Next, they looked at previous students artwork, as well as learning how to use a “T” square to draw. Then, they learned about proportions and size relations. After that they sketched their house, and then drew the final copy.

“The reason why we do this project is because students need to learn the color theory. And the color theory is how to make and use tints and shades, as well as how to be monochromatic,” D’Addario said. “It teaches them about proportions, and this project also uses math skills.”   

Students say that in order to get your picture framed there are certain things you need to keep an eye out.

Seventh grader Aidan Brown said, “I think the most important thing to getting your picture up on the wall is craftsmanship, as well as focusing on your lines.”

Brown painted the orange Taj Mahal that is currently hanging up just outside the art rooms. Seventh grader Shannon Xie said, “It is important to have fun, but in order to get your picture framed, you need to keep in mind craftsmanship and painting something unique.”